The BBC has asked Welsh-language musicians to reconsider a proposed royalties package.

The corporation made an offer to musicians which was said to be a “substantial and significant increase” in payment for their music being played on BBC Radio Cymru.

But the tabled offer was rejected when, according to BBC claims, EOS – the new body established to represent Welsh language musicians – demanded a ten-fold increase in payments.

The BBC says its offer goes beyond what the Performing Rights Society (PRS) has ever paid before for the broadcast element of the rights.

It added a large portion of music played on the station would have to be withdrawn from January 1 unless the deadlock in talks could be broken and an agreement reached.

It is also expected that broadcasting hours will need to be cut.

BBC Cymru Wales director Rhodri Talfan Davies said the corporation had made “every effort” to solve the dispute.

He said: “We have made every effort to resolve the dispute, and are very disappointed that we haven’t been able to secure an agreement.

“We have listened carefully to the musicians’ concerns and responded with a very significant proposal that recognises the importance of the music to our Welsh-language audiences and to wider cultural life in Wales.

“Sadly, EOS today rejected this offer, and instead demanded a more than ten-fold increase in fees.

“This is just unrealistic at a time when all public service broadcasters are having to tighten their belts.

“We will now have to withdraw a significant portion of Welsh language music from Radio Cymru on January 1 – a move that risks damaging a service that is right at the heart of Welsh life and culture.”

The BBC said it had offered to extend negotiations with EOS into the New Year in a bid to resolve the dispute or to bring in an independent mediator to arbitrate between both parties but claims EOS rejected both proposals.

It added it was now considering asking an independent copyright tribunal to step in to determine a fair rate for the music.